Here's To The Pain

Pain, or more specifically, grief, has five stages. They look different on all of us, but there are always five - denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. This story gives a small glimpse about how to deal with pain.

7. "I am sorry"

“Mom?” Neo shouts out as he opens the front door, searches for his mother, and finds her in the kitchen making dinner. He wastes no more time and darts for her, hugging her tightly with all his affection.

“I am so, so, so sorry mom,” he says, his eyes red and swollen, shedding tears. “I know I have been a real jerk, I know that. I don’t care for anyone but myself. And you are my mother! My mother, who gave me so much care and affection, who endured so much pain just to bring me into the world! Who loved me so much and still loves me unconditionally! And I haven’t even given her an ounce of respect, I have given her hell! Oh god, I am so sorry, mom!”

“Oh honey,” says Neo’s mother, feeling touched. Touched by the fondness showed by her son. Touched by the streams of tears now trickling down from her son’s eyes.

We can always try to do better. To be better. To right a wrong. Even when it feels irreversible. Of course, “I'm sorry” doesn't always cut it. Maybe because we use it so many different ways. As a weapon. As an excuse. But, when we are really sorry, when we use it right, when we mean it, when our actions say what words never can, when we get it right, “I'm sorry” is perfect. It is redemption.